There is nothing quite as important as intimacy in a relationship – and we aren’t talking about what goes on in the bedroom.
While it’s true that sex and physical affection boost relationship satisfaction, they won’t get you far in your marriage if you aren’t sharing an emotional bond as well.
If you’re having trouble opening up and connecting to your spouse on an emotional level, you’re not alone. Seeing a marriage therapist can help you and your spouse build a deep emotional bond that lasts.
Emotional intimacy goes beyond anything you can do in the bedroom. It’s about having a true connection with your spouse that strengthens all aspects of your relationship. Here are 5 benefits of having emotional intimacy in a relationship and how it will improve your marriage for a lifetime.
1. It’s easier to talk to each other
Emotional intimacy in a relationship is the ultimate connection to your spouse. It emphasizes everything else in your relationship – your sex life, your friendship – even your communication skills!
When you have an emotional connection to your spouse, it’s only natural that you will feel more comfortable being vulnerable with them. This will allow you to communicate openly about any subject under the sun.
Communication is important for a healthy, happy relationship. Without it, couples wouldn’t be able to form deeper connections. It would also be impossible to resolve arguments effectively.
2. You can trust each other
Trust is integral to a long-lasting relationship. When couples can trust one another, things will go smoothly for them.
When you trust your partner, you are able to share yourself fully with them both sexually and emotionally. Studies show that the oxytocin released during physical contact with your spouse has been shown to increase trust between partners and deepen their connection.
Couples should be able to trust one another with their hearts. This means no infidelity, no revealing personal information to others, and no lies. It also allows them to rely on one another and feel safe and secure in the relationship.
3. Strengthens your sexual connection
Your sexual connection is very important to the health of your relationship. Not only is this a fun and exciting way to pass the time with your spouse, but it contributes to your overall relationship satisfaction and love for one another.
There is no doubt that emotional intimacy in a relationship leads to better sex and vice versa! Studies show that sexual satisfaction was a high predictor in heightened emotional intimacy in couples.
Research also indicates that sharing such personal moments together often increases verbal affection between partners. For example, couples who have sex regularly are more likely to say “I love you” than those who do not.
The oxytocin released during sex has been proven to reduce stress, which can improve your relationship.
4. Best friends first
Without a doubt, emotional intimacy strengthens your relationship for the better. Getting close to your spouse and feeling that deep connection means not only are you in love, but you have a friendship with your spouse.
This is beneficial for both partners, as studies show that couples are happiest when they view one another as their best friend.
Research shows that couples who share hobbies and activities together (as you would in a marital friendship) report higher levels of marital satisfaction.
When you’re romantic with your spouse it often indicates going out on dates, wooing one another, and sharing passionate chemistry. When you are friends with your spouse you have all of those romantic qualities and more!
6. You make time for one another
When you have emotional intimacy in a relationship you will be more likely to make your spouse a priority. One way many couples do this is by carving out tech-free quality time for one another each day. This means no cell phones, no television, and no distractions for at least a half an hour. This shows your partner they have your undivided attention.
Another great way couples make time for each other is with a weekly date night.
Research compiled by The National Marriage Project shows that couples who have a regular date night are less likely to get divorced. This is because they’re putting in the quality time needed to strengthen their relationship. The study also brings out that couples who put one another first have deeper sexual passions, better communication skills, and more excitement in their relationship.
Couple’s therapy is another great way that couples make time for one another.
Your relationship doesn’t have to be in turmoil to warrant seeing a marriage therapist.
A marriage therapist can help you and your spouse conquer problems before they arise! They will be able to teach you how to communicate, problem-solve, and how to build that important emotional connection together.
Ask any marriage therapist and they will tell you that happy couples feel more than just attraction to one another. They build a deep emotional connection. Having intimacy in a relationship will strengthen your communication skills, boost your sex life, reduce stress, and builds a positive romantic friendship.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!
Author: Rachael Pace
Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations around the world, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. She is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource to support healthy happy marriages.
